A Day of Missionary Daily Life Ministry Training in Ghana
One of the most exciting parts of serving on the mission field is discovering what missionary daily life ministry training really looks like. Some days are filled with travel and outreach. Other days are quieter but just as important—days spent preparing, organizing, learning, and serving behind the scenes.
Saturday, August 26, turned out to be one of those days.
After several nights of struggling with jet lag, I finally managed to fall asleep before midnight. That may not sound like a major victory, but when you cross several time zones to arrive in West Africa, even small wins feel big. Even better, I woke up before eight o’clock feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
A good night of sleep can make all the difference when adjusting to missionary life overseas.
Starting the Day with Practical Ministry Preparation
Breakfast gave us the energy we needed to start the morning. Not long after eating, Bro. Ruckman, Dad, and I headed into town to pick up supplies for the upcoming Bible Institute orientation.
Running errands may not sound like glamorous ministry, but it is a big part of missionary daily life ministry training. Every class, meeting, or outreach requires preparation.
We needed several basic supplies for the orientation meeting—things that would help organize students, distribute materials, and prepare for the upcoming semester. Thankfully, we were able to find everything we needed and return home by around eleven in the morning.
Meanwhile, the rest of the family stayed behind.
Mom, Danny, and Bonnie spent the morning with Mrs. Ruckman doing laundry and preparing pizza dough for supper later that evening. Missionary life often involves teamwork in ways people might not expect. While some people are out preparing for ministry events, others are making sure the home runs smoothly.
Both are important.
After we returned from the store, we took a short break before lunch. The meal was excellent, and it gave us time to relax for a few minutes before heading to the church for the afternoon orientation.
A Glimpse of Takoradi’s Modern Side
On our way to the church, we passed through the new mall in Takoradi.
It is surprisingly large and modern. Seeing developments like this reminds you how quickly cities in Ghana are growing. It also creates interesting contrasts—modern shopping centers alongside traditional markets and roadside vendors.
Another surprise?
Red Bull costs about half the price here compared to the United States. In Ghana it sells for about $1.49 in U.S. dollars.
Small observations like that are part of the cultural learning that comes with missionary daily life ministry training. Living in another country teaches you to notice details that most travelers might miss.
A Quick Stop for Coffee Supplies
Before arriving at the church, we stopped at a small local store to buy water so we could make coffee for the orientation meeting.
While we were there, we ran into someone Dad already knew.
His name was Tayo.
We spent a few minutes talking with him before continuing on our way. Encounters like this happen frequently on the mission field. Relationships grow naturally over time, and it’s not unusual to run into someone you know while going about normal daily tasks.
Those moments often open doors for conversation, friendship, and sometimes even ministry opportunities.
The Bible Institute Orientation Begins
When we arrived at the church, we began setting everything up for the orientation.
Coffee was prepared, materials were organized, and we made sure everything was ready for the students who were planning to attend.
The meeting was scheduled to begin at one o’clock.
However, like many gatherings in West Africa, things started a little later than planned. Several people arrived late, so we eventually began around 1:30.
Even then, a few students were still missing—including one of the teachers, Pastor Fred.
Before the meeting began, Bro. Ruckman jokingly told everyone that when Pastor Fred arrived, we would sing a special song for him.
The song?
“You’re late because you’re late.”
Sure enough, when Pastor Fred walked into the room, everyone turned around and began singing the song to him.
To his credit, he took it very well.
In fact, he started directing the choir as we sang!
Moments like that remind you that missionary life includes plenty of laughter along the way.
Despite the delayed start, we ended up with a very good crowd for the orientation. It was encouraging to see so many people interested in training for ministry.
A Short but Powerful Bible Message
During the orientation, Bro. Ruckman shared a short message from the Bible.
He only had three points, but they were exactly what the students needed to hear as they began their training.
Bible Institutes play a critical role in preparing future pastors, teachers, and Christian leaders. Many churches across West Africa have been started by men who received training in programs just like this one.
For those of us participating in the program, it also represents an opportunity for deeper missionary daily life ministry training.
Signing Up for Classes
When it was time to register for courses, I signed up for nine Bible Institute classes.
The schedule will be busy.
Classes will take place on Tuesday afternoons and Saturdays. Along with that, I will also be taking Fante language lessons, helping with Bible club, and participating in other ministry opportunities throughout the week.
All of it together means there will be plenty to keep me occupied.
And that is exactly the point.
Missionary training is not meant to be passive. It is designed to immerse students in ministry, learning, and service all at once.
Reconnecting with Old Friends
After the orientation ended, we spent some time talking with people before heading home.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was meeting a teacher I had studied under about ten years ago. Hearing his stories brought back memories of my earlier time in Africa and reminded me how much the mission field can shape a person’s life.
It was a meaningful moment of reconnecting with the past while stepping forward into a new season of ministry.
Meanwhile, Bonnie had an exciting day as well.
She made a brand-new friend.
Children often adapt quickly to life overseas, and friendships form naturally when families serve together on the mission field.
Helping Behind the Scenes
When we returned home, my work for the day wasn’t finished.
I began typing all the applications for the Bible Institute.
Bro. Ruckman joked with the students that I was going to be his secretary. While typing may not be my strongest skill, I did my best to organize the documents and get everything prepared for the upcoming semester.
Administrative tasks are another important part of missionary daily life ministry training. Ministry requires organization, planning, and careful record keeping.
Without those things, even the best plans can fall apart.
Ending the Day as a Missionary Family
For supper, we enjoyed homemade pizza.
After dinner, the others played games together while I headed to bed a little earlier than usual. A headache had started to set in, probably because I had not stayed hydrated enough during the day.
Living in Ghana teaches you quickly how important hydration is in the tropical climate.
Even so, it had been a full and meaningful day.
From preparing for Bible Institute orientation to reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, and helping organize student applications, the day provided another glimpse into the realities of missionary daily life ministry training.
It may not always be dramatic or exciting from the outside.
But every small task plays a part in preparing the next generation of Christian leaders.
And that is a mission worth every effort.
Awesome journaling. Thanks for keeping us updated. Prayers for your family, friends, and all.